Traffic Violations

I got a ticket, what do I do now?

Firstly, relax! Traffic violations are not anything serious, unless you neglect them. Secondly, you should avoid doing whatever caused the ticket (or at least avoid getting caught). And thirdly, you should call a lawyer.

The cop said I can just pay the fine, is this true?

This is true, but misleading. You are able to pay the fine but in doing so are pleading guilty to the charge they have listed, which could have serious consequences. The lawyer's role is to get your charge reduced or dismissed, thus minimizing the impact on your driving record and car insurance. For example, if you are charged with a speeding violation of going 85mph in a 70mph zone, paying the initial fee will result in a 15mph over charge on your driving record. An attorney can discuss with the District Attorney about reducing or dismissing the charge altogether.

Do I have to appear in court?

Yes, unless you hire an attorney. We provide our clients with a 'waiver of appearance' form which allows you to stay home or at work. That waiver allows us to handle your case without you being present; only in rare situations will a client still have to appear in court. Hiring a lawyer to handle traffic violations is a practical and reasonable option. By successfully contesting a speeding ticket, you may keep your license, your good record, and avoid being subject to higher fines. Every situation is unique, so give us a call so that we can discuss all of your options.

The best result one can get for a traffic violation is a dismissal. A dismissal means that there will be no effect on your driving record, insurance points, and you will not have to pay any court costs.

The next best result is a non-moving violation of "improper equipment" (IE). An IE means that there will be no effect on your driving record or insurance points, but there are court costs. An IE is typically the best result for clients.